Midlothian Schools Guide: What Relocating Families Need to Know - Your comprehensive guide to Midlothian ISD schools, programs, enrollment, and choosing the right neighborhood
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Moving to a new city means navigating unfamiliar schools, and for families relocating to Midlothian, Texas, the good news is substantial: you're entering one of the top-performing school districts in Ellis County. With 85% of campuses earning A or B ratings from the Texas Education Agency and a graduation rate exceeding 95%, Midlothian ISD delivers strong academics in a community that still maintains its small-town feel.
But raw statistics only tell part of the story. Which elementary school matches your child's learning style? How do the two high schools differ? What specialized programs might accelerate your student's path to college or career? This guide answers every question relocating families ask about Midlothian schools.
Midlothian ISD at a Glance: 2025-2026
Before diving into individual campuses, here's what you need to know about the district as a whole:
District Overview:
Total Students: 11,103
Number of Schools: 13 campuses (8 elementary, 3 middle, 2 high schools)
District Rating: B (85 out of 100) from TEA
State Ranking: #174 of 961 Texas school districts (SchoolDigger)
Graduation Rate: 95.4% (4-year cohort)
Dropout Rate: 0.6%
Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
Per-Student Spending: $10,580 annually
Academic Performance Highlights:
85% of campuses rated A or B by Texas Education Agency
Two campuses earned A ratings (McClatchey Elementary, Walnut Grove Middle)
Nine campuses improved scores over the past two years
Six academic distinctions earned district-wide
Both high schools ranked in top 25% of Texas high schools by U.S. News
Demographics:
White: 54.9%
Hispanic/Latino: 24.7%
Black: 14%
Two or more races: 5%
Asian: 1%
Economically disadvantaged: 22.6%
Understanding Texas School Ratings: The A-F System
Before exploring individual schools, it helps to understand how Texas rates its campuses:
TEA A-F Accountability System: Texas assigns letter grades based on three domains:
Student Achievement (40%): How well students perform on STAAR tests
School Progress (40%): Year-over-year improvement and performance compared to similar schools
Closing the Gaps (20%): How well schools support all student groups, including economically disadvantaged, special education, and English learners
What the Grades Mean:
A (90-100): Exemplary performance
B (80-89): Recognized performance
C (70-79): Acceptable performance
D (60-69): Needs improvement
F (Below 60): Unacceptable performance
Important Context: Midlothian ISD has zero campuses rated D or F, and 85% earned A or B ratings—significantly outperforming state averages.
Elementary Schools: Complete Campus Profiles
Midlothian ISD operates eight elementary schools serving Pre-K through 5th grade. Each campus has its own personality, strengths, and zoning boundaries.
Top-Performing Elementary Schools
Dolores W. McClatchey Elementary
TEA Rating: A (Only elementary with A rating)
Enrollment: 674 students
Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
Math Proficiency: 67%
Reading Proficiency: 68%
Recognition: U.S. News Best Elementary Schools 2025 & 2026
Location: 6631 Shiloh Road
McClatchey consistently outperforms district and state averages. The campus serves the growing Shiloh Road corridor, including portions of newer master-planned communities. Parents report strong parent-teacher communication and a culture focused on academic achievement.
Longbranch Elementary
TEA Rating: B
Enrollment: 664 students
Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
Math Proficiency: 73% (Highest in district)
Reading Proficiency: 71% (Highest in district)
State Ranking: Top 10% of Texas elementary schools
Recognition: U.S. News Best Elementary Schools 2025 & 2026
Location: 6631 FM 1387
Despite the B rating (which reflects factors beyond test scores), Longbranch posts the highest math and reading proficiency rates in the district. The campus serves the BridgeWater community and surrounding areas along FM 1387.
Mt. Peak Elementary
TEA Rating: B
Enrollment: 600 students
Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1 (Best ratio in district)
Math Proficiency: 58%
Reading Proficiency: 67%
State Ranking: Top 20% of Texas elementary schools
Recognition: U.S. News Best Elementary Schools 2025 & 2026
Location: 5201 FM 663
Mt. Peak serves the Mountain Peak area and newer developments along FM 663. The campus earned academic distinction for Top 25% Comparative Closing the Gaps.
LaRue Miller Elementary
TEA Rating: B
Enrollment: 715 students
Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
Math Proficiency: 67%
Reading Proficiency: 61%
State Ranking: #713 of 4,651 Texas elementary schools (Top 20%)
Recognition: U.S. News Best Elementary Schools 2025 & 2026
Location: 2800 Sudith Lane
The highest-ranked elementary school by SchoolDigger, LaRue Miller serves established neighborhoods near downtown Midlothian.
Other Elementary Campuses
T.E. Baxter Elementary
TEA Rating: B
Distinction: Top 25% Comparative Closing the Gaps
Location: 1050 Park Place
Baxter serves families in the Lake Ridge and surrounding established neighborhoods. The campus earned recognition for helping all student groups succeed.
Jean Coleman Elementary
TEA Rating: B
Location: 700 Hawkins Run
Coleman serves newer developments in the Hawkins Run area and surrounding communities.
J.R. Irvin Elementary
TEA Rating: C
Enrollment: Moderate
Math Proficiency: 51%
Reading Proficiency: 62%
State Ranking: Top 30% of Texas elementary schools
Recognition: U.S. News Best Elementary Schools 2025
Location: 600 S. 5th Street
Located near downtown, Irvin serves some of Midlothian's most established neighborhoods. While rated C, the campus still performs above many state averages.
J.A. Vitovsky Elementary
TEA Rating: C
Location: 333 Church Street
Vitovsky serves the downtown Midlothian area and surrounding neighborhoods.
Middle Schools: Campus Profiles
Midlothian ISD operates three middle schools serving grades 6-8.
Walnut Grove Middle School
TEA Rating: A (Only middle school with A rating)
Enrollment: 988 students
State Ranking: #339 of 2,344 Texas middle schools (Top 15%)
Average Teacher Experience: 13 years
Average Teacher Salary: $63,060
Location: 990 N. Walnut Grove Road
Walnut Grove is the district's top-performing middle school, earning the only A rating among MISD middle schools. The campus serves students from Longbranch, McClatchey, and Mt. Peak elementary zones.
Earl & Marthalu Dieterich Middle School
TEA Rating: B
Enrollment: 990 students
State Ranking: #423 of 2,344 Texas middle schools (Top 20%)
Location: 2881 Ledgestone Lane
Dieterich serves the growing eastern portion of the district, including many master-planned community residents.
Frank Seale Middle School
TEA Rating: B
Distinctions:
Top 25% Comparative Academic Growth
Top 25% Comparative Closing the Gaps
Postsecondary Readiness
Location: 700 George Hopper Road
Seale earned three academic distinctions—more than any other MISD campus—recognizing exceptional growth and college preparation. The campus serves students from LaRue Miller, Baxter, Irvin, and Vitovsky elementary zones.
High Schools: Two Strong Options
Midlothian ISD operates two comprehensive high schools, both performing well above state averages.
Midlothian Heritage High School
Niche Rankings:
Academic Performance (STAAR EOC):
Biology: 74.15% proficient (State average: 62.04%)
English I Reading: Above state average
U.S. History: Above state average
Heritage opened in 2016 and has quickly established itself as a top-performing campus. The school excels particularly in athletics, ranking among the top 5 in Texas for student athletes. The newer facilities include modern technology and athletic complexes.
UIL Classification: 5A Division 2
Midlothian High School
TEA Rating: B
Distinction: Academic Achievement in Mathematics
Enrollment: 1,940 students
U.S. News State Ranking: #509 in Texas (Up 11 spots from previous year)
Graduation Rate: 95.6%
Dropout Rate: 0.7%
Average SAT Score: 986
Average ACT Score: 21.0
Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
Academic Performance:
Math Proficiency: 51% (State average: 44%)
Reading Proficiency: 66% (State average: 51%)
As the original Midlothian high school, MHS has deep community roots and strong traditions. The campus earned academic distinction specifically for mathematics achievement.
UIL Classification: 5A Division 1
High School Comparison
Both schools offer excellent education. Heritage tends to attract families seeking newer facilities and strong athletics programs, while MHS appeals to those valuing established traditions and community connections.
The MILE: Career & Technical Education Center
One of Midlothian ISD's standout programs is The MILE (Midlothian Innovative Learning Experience), a state-of-the-art career and technical education facility.
Location: 711 West Avenue I, Midlothian
Programs Offered:
Culinary Arts – Professional kitchen training; students operate "The Scratch Kitchen" restaurant open to the public
Cybersecurity – Industry-standard security training and certifications
Aerospace Engineering – Hands-on engineering curriculum
Civil Engineering – Real-world engineering projects
Entrepreneurship – Business development and startup skills
Video Game Design – Programming and game development
Key Features:
Industry-standard equipment
Professional mentorship from working professionals
Flexible learning spaces reflecting real workplace environments
Available to students from both high schools
Enrollment increased 58% since 2023-2024
The Scratch Kitchen: Culinary arts students operate a public restaurant as part of their practicum, open Tuesday-Thursday, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM.
Future Expansion: The 2025 bond election (Proposition B) proposes Phase 1 of a new CTE Center to expand career and technical education opportunities. Over 6,223 students are currently enrolled in CTE courses, with 840+ attending daily classes at The MILE.
Dual Credit & College Partnerships
Midlothian ISD partners with multiple colleges to offer dual credit opportunities:
Navarro College Partnership
Wide variety of dual credit courses
Simultaneous high school and college credit
Available at both high schools
Details in MISD Academic Planning Guide
Texas State Technical College (TSTC) Partnership
Programs available:
HVAC Technology
Industrial Systems Electrical
Diesel Equipment Technology
The Midlothian Economic Development Corporation supports the first 30 students in each program with tools and supplies.
FAST Program
The Financial Aid for Swift Transfer program provides funding for dual credit courses to educationally disadvantaged students at no cost.
Gifted & Talented Program
Midlothian ISD provides comprehensive gifted and talented services for identified students in grades K-12.
Elementary Program:
Cluster classroom model with GT-trained teachers
Pull-out GT Teacher for specialized instruction
All MISD teachers complete 30-hour GT training
Secondary Program:
Pre-AP courses
Advanced Placement (AP) courses
No separate GT identification required for Pre-AP/AP enrollment
Identification Process:
Referrals accepted from parents, teachers, students, counselors, or community members
Assessment tools include ability tests, achievement tests, creativity measures, and observation inventories
Final placement determined by committee of GT-trained educators
Students remain identified throughout MISD career (no re-qualification needed between school levels)
Annual Timeline:
GT Parent Information Meeting: December (Administration Building Board Room)
Campus-level information meetings also available
Testing permission forms required by specified deadline
Special Education Services
Midlothian ISD provides special education services for students with disabilities ages 3-21.
Philosophy: Education in the least restrictive environment
Eligibility Categories:
Auditory impairment
Autism
Emotional disturbance
Learning disability
Intellectual disability
Orthopedic impairment
Other health impairment
Speech impairment
Traumatic brain injury
Visual impairment
Services Available:
Full continuum of instructional services
Related services (speech therapy, occupational therapy, etc.)
Individualized Education Program (IEP) development
Services begin at birth for auditory/visual impairments
Services begin at age 3 for other disabilities
Child Find: MISD actively identifies children with learning challenges to ensure access to evaluations and services.
Contact: 469-856-5087 for special education inquiries
Bilingual & ESL Programs
Bilingual Program:
Dual Language One-Way (70/30) model
Available Pre-K through 5th grade
For students whose first language is Spanish
Goal: Competency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English through primary language development
English as a Second Language (ESL):
Available at all grade levels
Designed for second language learners
Content-based instruction model
District Statistics:
5.5% of students enrolled in bilingual/ELL programs
Athletics & Extracurriculars
UIL Athletics
Both high schools compete in University Interscholastic League (UIL) athletics:
Midlothian Heritage High School:
Midlothian High School:
Classification: 5A Division 1
Strong athletic traditions
Full range of UIL sports
Sports Offered (Both Schools):
Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Baseball, Softball
Soccer, Track & Field, Cross Country
Tennis, Golf, Swimming
Wrestling, Powerlifting
Fine Arts
Band and orchestra programs
Choir
Theater
Visual arts
Marching band
Drill team and cheerleading
Requirements
All students in athletics, marching band, drill team, and cheerleading (grades 7-12) must have annual physicals on file using required UIL forms.
Private School Alternatives
While this guide focuses on Midlothian ISD, families should know about private options in the area:
Midlothian Private School
Focus on strong reading, writing, and math foundation
Small class sizes
Open enrollment begins February for following school year
Private tours available Tuesdays and Fridays
Heritage Christian Academy
Faith-based education
Strong community culture
Biblical principles integrated into curriculum
Nearby Options:
Waxahachie Preparatory Academy (ACSI accredited Christian school, K-12)
St. Joseph Catholic School (Waxahachie)
Ovilla Christian School
The Oakridge School (Arlington – college prep)
School Zone Boundaries: Choosing Your Neighborhood
In Midlothian ISD, students attend schools based on home address. Here's how popular communities align with schools:
Bridge Water Master-Planned Community
Elementary: Longbranch Elementary (Top 10% in Texas)
Middle: Walnut Grove Middle (A-rated)
High School: Midlothian Heritage High
Hayes Crossing / Ridgepoint Area
Elementary: McClatchey Elementary (A-rated) or Jean Coleman Elementary
Middle: Walnut Grove Middle or Dieterich Middle
High School: Midlothian Heritage High
Downtown / Historic Midlothian
Elementary: Irvin Elementary or Vitovsky Elementary
Middle: Frank Seale Middle (3 distinctions)
High School: Midlothian High
Lake Ridge / Established Neighborhoods
Elementary: Baxter Elementary (Distinction for Closing the Gaps)
Middle: Frank Seale Middle
High School: Midlothian High
Mt. Peak / FM 663 Corridor
Elementary: Mt. Peak Elementary (Top 20%)
Middle: Walnut Grove Middle
High School: Midlothian Heritage High
Verify Your Zone
Use MISD's online boundary mapping tool or call 469-856-5000 to confirm school assignments for specific addresses. Boundaries change as new schools open and enrollment shifts.
Enrollment Guide for Relocating Families
Required Documents
Prepare these before enrollment:
Proof of Residency (two forms required):
Utility bill (water, electric, gas) with current date and service address
Lease agreement or closing documents
Bank statement with address
Student Documents:
Birth certificate (official copy)
Social Security card
Immunization records (Texas requirements)
Previous school records/transcripts
Custody documents (if applicable)
Enrollment Process
New Students (K-12):
Create Family Access account at midlothianisd.org/enrollment
Complete online enrollment forms
Upload required documents
Submit enrollment
Pre-Kindergarten:
Enrollment opens April 1 each year
Child must be 4 years old by September 1
Must meet eligibility qualifications (income-based or other criteria)
No tuition-based Pre-K currently available
Timeline for Relocating Families
Before Your Move:
Research school zones using MISD boundary tool
Create Family Access account
Gather required documents
Request records from current school
Upon Arrival:
Complete online enrollment
Contact assigned campus registrar
Schedule orientation/tour
Complete any additional paperwork
Important Notes:
Registrars off contract early June through July 15
Enrollment processed in order received when registrars return
Email skyward.student@midlothianisd.org for general questions
Campus Registrar Contacts
Elementary Schools:
T.E. Baxter: registrar.teb@midlothianisd.org
Jean Coleman: registrar.jce@midlothianisd.org
J.R. Irvin: registrar.jri@midlothianisd.org
Longbranch: registrar.lbe@midlothianisd.org
McClatchey: registrar.dme@midlothianisd.org
LaRue Miller: registrar.lme@midlothianisd.org
Mt. Peak: registrar.mpe@midlothianisd.org
Vitovsky: registrar.jav@midlothianisd.org
Middle Schools:
Dieterich: registrar.dms@midlothianisd.org
Frank Seale: registrar.fsms@midlothianisd.org
Walnut Grove: registrar.wgms@midlothianisd.org
High Schools:
Heritage High: registrar.mhhs@midlothianisd.org
Midlothian High: registrar.mhs@midlothianisd.org
Midlothian ISD vs. Other Districts
How does Midlothian ISD compare to nearby and northern suburb districts?
Why Families Choose Midlothian ISD:
Strong academics without mega-district bureaucracy
Competitive home prices compared to northern suburbs
Small-town community feel
Two excellent high school options
Growing but not overwhelming
Strong CTE and career preparation programs
Tips for Relocating Families
Before You Visit
Research School Zones First
Use MISD boundary tool before house hunting
Identify neighborhoods feeding desired schools
Verify zones for specific addresses (boundaries change)
Understand Your Priorities
Academic performance (A-rated schools)
Athletics (Heritage ranks #5 in Texas)
Newer facilities (Heritage, newer elementaries)
Established community (MHS, historic neighborhoods)
CTE/career preparation (The MILE access)
During Your Home Search
Tour Schools Before Buying
Contact campus offices to schedule visits
Observe classroom environments
Meet principals and counselors
Ask about specific programs
Consider Future Rezoning
Fast-growing areas may see boundary changes
MISD policy protects 5th graders, 8th graders, and seniors during rezoning
Ask about planned new schools that might affect your area
Questions to Ask Schools
For Elementary Schools:
What intervention programs exist for struggling students?
How are gifted students served?
What specials (art, music, PE) are offered?
How do you communicate with parents?
What is the homework philosophy?
For Middle Schools:
What elective options are available?
How do you prepare students for high school?
What support exists for the middle school transition?
Are Pre-AP courses offered?
For High Schools:
What AP courses are offered?
How do counselors support college planning?
What dual credit options exist?
How can students access The MILE programs?
What career certifications can students earn?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which Midlothian elementary school is best? A: McClatchey Elementary is the only A-rated elementary, while Longbranch has the highest test scores. Both are excellent choices. The "best" school depends on location, your child's needs, and school culture fit.
Q: How do I know which schools my address is zoned for? A: Use the MISD School Boundaries Mapping Tool on their website, or call 469-856-5000 for verification.
Q: Can my child attend a school outside their zone? A: Generally, students attend zoned schools. Some specialty programs may require attendance at specific campuses. Contact the district for transfer request information.
Q: What's the difference between Midlothian's two high schools? A: Heritage opened in 2016 with newer facilities and exceptional athletics (#5 in Texas). MHS is the original campus with established traditions. Both have B ratings and strong academics.
Q: Does Midlothian ISD offer Pre-K? A: Yes, but enrollment requires eligibility qualifications (typically income-based). There is no tuition-based Pre-K option currently.
Q: How competitive are Midlothian schools compared to Frisco or Southlake? A: Midlothian ISD performs well above state averages but ranks below top-tier districts like Frisco or Carroll ISD. However, home prices are $200K-$400K lower, offering excellent value.
Q: My child has special needs. What services are available? A: MISD provides a full continuum of special education services. Contact 469-856-5087 to discuss your child's needs before enrollment.
Q: Can high schoolers earn college credit? A: Yes, through dual credit partnerships with Navarro College and TSTC. Students can earn college credit while in high school.
Q: What career training is available? A: The MILE offers programs in culinary arts, cybersecurity, engineering, entrepreneurship, and video game design. Over 6,200 students are enrolled in CTE courses district-wide.
Q: When should I enroll my child? A: For the smoothest transition, complete online enrollment as soon as you have proof of residence. Registrars are off-contract mid-June through mid-July, so plan accordingly.
Final Thoughts: Is Midlothian ISD Right for Your Family?
Midlothian ISD offers relocating families an appealing combination: strong academics, reasonable home prices, community connection, and room to grow. With 85% of schools rated A or B, graduation rates above 95%, and expanding career and technical education programs, the district provides solid educational foundations.
Midlothian ISD is ideal for families who want:
High-performing schools without paying northern suburb prices
Small-town community feel with modern amenities
Two strong high school options
Excellent career and technical education
Active athletics and extracurricular programs
A growing district that isn't overcrowded
Consider other districts if you prioritize:
A-rated district overall (look at Frisco, Carroll)
Massive program variety (larger districts)
Urban proximity (closer-in suburbs)
For most families relocating to the southern Dallas-Fort Worth area, Midlothian ISD delivers exceptional educational value in a community that still feels like home.
Ready to Find Your Midlothian Home?
Choosing the right neighborhood for your family's educational priorities requires local expertise. As a Midlothian real estate specialist, I help relocating families navigate school zones, understand which communities feed into which schools, and find homes that match both your housing needs and educational goals.
Schedule a consultation to discuss:
Which neighborhoods align with your school preferences
Current homes available in your target school zones
New construction options in A-rated school areas
The home buying process for relocating families
Contact Nitin Gupta, Broker Associate
☎️ (469) 269-6541
📧 Email
About the Author
Nitin Gupta is a Broker Associate with Competitive Edge Realty specializing in North Texas relocations. With designations including CRS (Certified Residential Specialist), GRI (Graduate, REALTOR® Institute), ABR (Accredited Buyer's Representative), and SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist), Nitin brings expertise specifically valuable to relocating families.
Recognitions:
D Magazine Best Real Estate Agent: 2020, 2023, 2024
Best Rockwall Real Estate Agent (BRAG): 2023, 2024
Zillow 5-Star Agent
FastExpert Top Agent
Full Credentials: CRS, GRI, ALHS, ABR, SRS, MRP, SRES, PSA, e-PRO, CHMS, TRLS, TRPM
Call us at 469-269-6541 for more information about Waxahachie real estate!
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